Radiata Stories

 PlayStation 2
Radiata Stories Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

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  • Summary: The latest fantasy RPG by tri-Ace, developers of "Valkyrie Profile" and the "Star Ocean" series. An emotional story about the conflict between humans and fairy creatures is complemented by a new gameplay system that draws the player deep into the game. The kingdom of Radiata lies in a worldThe latest fantasy RPG by tri-Ace, developers of "Valkyrie Profile" and the "Star Ocean" series. An emotional story about the conflict between humans and fairy creatures is complemented by a new gameplay system that draws the player deep into the game. The kingdom of Radiata lies in a world where humans and fairy creatures coexist. It is here that the protagonists, Jack and Ridley, meet for the first time. While Jack seeks to become a knight, Ridley must accept her fate in becoming one. Destinies are realized when a war erupts between the humans and the fairy creatures and threatens to end the world of Radiata. The popular traditional real-time battle system known for its straightforward controls and extravagant presentation has a new element. By forming a "link" attack, the player can execute combos and other moves with all party members joining as one. There are over 150 characters that Jack can recruit throughout his adventure. It is up to the player whether they journey alone or seek out others to journey with. Every playable character is beneficial in some way. [Square Enix]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. Game Informer
    93
    It's this mixture of personality and content that earns Radiata Stories a place among Square Enix's greatest adventures, and certainly the best straight-up RPG so far this year. [Oct 2005, p.132]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Gaming Target
    85
    What the game does offer instead is a cute fantasy with intriguing twists (even if you have to sift through the crazy nonsense to get there), and a butt load of characters that can be yours if you seriously want to endure the exerting challenge of grabbing as many of them as you possibly can.
  3. GamePro
    80
    Radiata Stories has its share of hilarious moments and never takes itself too seriously, inspiring a perverse sort of curiosity as to what the characters will get themselves into next.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    75
    Unfortunately, the game takes way too long to come together. The result is slightly reminiscent of "Fable" and "Suikoden"--and too disjointed.
  5. Siliconera
    70
    Fortunately the world in Radiata Stories is vast, with lots of quests and people to find. It's also gorgeous in it's own artistic way and complex with a fully integrated time system.
  6. games(TM)
    70
    It's hardly a stunning RPG or an essential purchase but Radiata Stories is a charming, entertaining and compelling adventure, nonetheless. [Dec 2005, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Game Revolution
    42
    Square-Enix manages to spin a good yarn and populate an interesting world full of fantastic characters, but a plethora of inexcusable design decisions threaten to unravel everything. Despite its promise, some serious growing pains prevent this adolescent from truly coming of age.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Vancoor
    Jun 19, 2011
    10
    This is the most pure and honest fun I have ever had with a game since the early days of Pokemon. The world is so rich and the characters areThis is the most pure and honest fun I have ever had with a game since the early days of Pokemon. The world is so rich and the characters are all interesting and different, and pretty much ALL recruit-able. I have 3 complaints - The beginning is kinda slow, there are some occasional glitches, and finally I just wanted this game to be longer so I could enjoy the world more. 2/3 of these complaints would be fixed in a good sequel, and the first one just takes some patience to reach to the amazingness of this underrated title. If you are tired of every game taking its-self way to seriously and just want to play a game centered around enjoying yourself in every possible way, you have no reason not to puck this up.… Expand
  2. DanielN
    Dec 1, 2008
    10
    I don't understand why most reviewers dave this game low reviews. It starts off slow, but really catches on later in the game. It is I don't understand why most reviewers dave this game low reviews. It starts off slow, but really catches on later in the game. It is very long, but then most RPGs are. After all, the ability to have over 170 possible teamates at your disposal is something to be at awe at, especially since no character is the same in abilities. One part of the game that really catches on is the link ability. This ability will allow your allies to take on different formations with different effects that get even better during the duration of the game. That is why I give this game a 10, since most reviewers have little patience for games.… Expand
  4. Matthew
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    having a blast with this game. it's been a long time since i had so much fun just running around and getting immersed in a game world. having a blast with this game. it's been a long time since i had so much fun just running around and getting immersed in a game world. keeping me busy along with Dragon Quest VIII while waiting for Grandia III and Tales of Legendia.… Expand
  5. DarkFungus
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    By far one of my favorite RPGs I have ever played and it has earned its spot at #1 of my favorite games list. Why? Well because, it isBy far one of my favorite RPGs I have ever played and it has earned its spot at #1 of my favorite games list. Why? Well because, it is original, beautiful, and very unique. It has a enormous amount of characters for you to recruit into your party, quirky and strange dialog for you to laugh at, and a unique battle system for its time. If you are tired of all of the new generic RPGs, please, I urge you to give this game a shot. It will keep you laughing and questioning everything throughout the entire game. It is a shame that it wasn't more popular than it is. I hope that it will be redone one day and be improved upon so that even more people can enjoy its beauty and uniqueness as I did. If you are one the fence about buying the game, Just do it, and I am sure you wont regret it!… Expand
  6. moonman1994
    Jul 16, 2012
    9
    Radiata Stories is a great game. It's filled with characters that take time to recruit and it allows for you to create two completelyRadiata Stories is a great game. It's filled with characters that take time to recruit and it allows for you to create two completely different stories depending on if you side with humans or non-humans. The story is very interesting and the entire game is a bit cartoony but in a good way. The battle system is also very enjoyable. Radiata Stories also has something that all good Tri-Ace games have: It has an excellent bonus dungeon. Also the game has several funny shoutouts to other Tri-Ace titles (such as the Fayt armor). I would definitely recommend Radiata Stories.… Expand
  7. VitaminOWN
    Aug 25, 2013
    9
    Radiata Stories for the PlayStation 2 is an underrated gem. Although the game starts off slowly, it takes the time to introduce a wide varietyRadiata Stories for the PlayStation 2 is an underrated gem. Although the game starts off slowly, it takes the time to introduce a wide variety of memorable characters each with distinct personalities. For its time, the game had a beautiful art style and an immersive world.

    Each of the 175 recruitable characters for your party has their own back story detailed in Jack's friends list after they are recruited as well as their own set of unique skills, passive ability and stat progression. These characters have unique routines such as only appearing in a certain location such as a shop in a certain time frame.

    The dialogue throughout the story doesn't shy away from being comedic which results in a charming main cast. Your first play-through will last around 30-40 hours which is disappointing because the game does such a great job presenting the story and characters that you don't want it to end. However, an enigmatic post-game dungeon increases the playtime by around 10 hours.

    Combat is done real time as you control Jack while your three other characters have their own AI. Combat tactics can be assigned to your own liking. You can assign a certain party member to focus more on healing while others dish out maximum damage. Several different links are also present which are basically positional formations for your party. Have a single enemy to take down? Use the "box link" to surround your enemy from 4 corners to overwhelm it. The AI of your allies isn't perfect but it gets the job done.

    If you want a classic, underlooked PlayStation 2 RPG with a charming cast, story, and depth in party customization, give Radiata Stories a chance.    … Expand
  8. shootingstars99
    Aug 29, 2019
    2
    This one didn't stick with me at all, so excuse if I don't say too much about it. It just felt like a cheap version of Suikoden or ChronoThis one didn't stick with me at all, so excuse if I don't say too much about it. It just felt like a cheap version of Suikoden or Chrono Cross, and that's about all I remember about it. Plus having 10x the amount of recruit-able characters than a party can be does not appeal to me, you can't learn about them all, or even remember much about many of them, let alone get around to using all of them.… Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best PS2 Game of 2005
51
#51 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
40
#40 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005